Identifying whether a product like Panera’s baguette is vegan or not can be a challenging task.
The difficulty arises from manufacturers and corporations that are less than transparent about the nature and source of their ingredients.
This article aims to uncover the truth and support you, our young activist reader, in your vegan lifestyle.
Is Panera Baguette Vegan?
Yes, the Panera Baguette is Vegan.
The Panera Baguette is vegan because it contains no animal-derived ingredients. All the ingredients listed are plant based or synthetic.
Is Panera Baguette Cruelty-Free?
Yes, the Panera Baguette is cruelty-free.
It contains no ingredients that harm live animals and it is not tested on animals.
However, Panera Bread is not a fully non-GMO company. While it doesn’t look like any ingredients on this list are well known for being GMO, it’s something to keep in mind. GMOs are tested on animals to ensure they’re safe for human consumption.
What Is Panera Baguette Made Of?
Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients in Panera’s baguette:
- Enriched flour
- Wheat flour
- Malted barley flour
- Niacin
- Reduced iron
- Thiamine mononitrate
- Riboflavin
- Folic acid
- Water
- Whole wheat flour
- Ascorbic acid
- Enzymes
- Cultured wheat starch
- Citric acid
- Salt
- Vinegar
- Yeast
Enriched Flour
Enriched flour is wheat flour that has been fortified with vitamins and minerals. It’s plant based and plays a role in the structure of the bread.
Wheat Flour
Wheat flour is made from ground wheat and is also plant based. It’s the main ingredient that gives the bread its body.
Malted Barley Flour
Malted barley flour comes from sprouted barley and is used for flavor. It’s plant based.
Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid
These are all vitamins and minerals added to enrich the flour. They are synthetic and not derived from animals.
Water
Water is a basic ingredient in any bread recipe and is, of course, vegan.
Whole Wheat Flour
Whole wheat flour is made from the entire wheat kernel and is also vegan.
Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid is a form of vitamin C and is used as a preservative. It’s synthetic and vegan.
Enzymes
Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions and are plant based in this context.
Cultured Wheat Starch
Cultured wheat starch is fermented wheat starch and is used as a natural preservative. It’s vegan.
Citric Acid
Citric acid is derived from citrus fruits and is used as a preservative. It’s vegan.
Salt
Salt is a mineral and is vegan.
Vinegar
Vinegar is made from fermented ethanol and is vegan.
Yeast
Yeast is a fungus and is vegan.
Other Panera Products
Is Panera Vegetable Soup Vegan?
No, Panera’s vegetable soup is not vegan because it contains dairy.
Is Ten Vegetable Soup Vegan?
Yes, the Ten Vegetable Soup is vegan and contains no animal-derived ingredients.
Is Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich Vegan?
No, the Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich is not vegan because it contains feta cheese. You could, potentially, order it without the cheese.
Vegan Alternatives to Panera Baguette
If you’ve not got a Panera nearby and you’re looking for vegan bread options, consider the following brands:
- Dave’s Killer Bread: Vegan and made from whole grains
- Ezekiel Bread: Made from sprouted grains and vegan
- Alvarado Street Bakery Sprouted Bread: Vegan and non-GMO, made from sprouted grains
Conclusion
Navigating the world of vegan food at Panera or any other restaurant can be a bit tricky, but armed with the right information, you can make choices that align with your vegan lifestyle.
The Panera Baguette is both vegan and cruelty-free, making it a suitable option for those who are concerned about the planet and its inhabitants.
Keep fighting the good fight, eco activists!